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Mesothelioma and Asbestosis There are a few key differences between asbestosis and mesothelioma despite the fact both diseases are triggered by asbestos exposure. Most importantly, mesothelioma can be an illness that causes cancer, while asbestosis is not. Mesothelioma occurs in the lining of certain organs and tissues, such as the lungs (pleura) or the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. This is due to the long time between the onset of asbestos-related illnesses. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is also known as mesothelioma is a cancerous tumor that is a threat to the tissue that surrounds organs and cavities inside the body. It typically begins in the lungs but can also develop in other parts of the body like the stomach, the heart, and the abdomen. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ depending on the stage and type of the disease. However, there are typical symptoms, like difficulty breathing, chronic coughing, weight loss and chest pains. Patients with mesothelioma usually suffer from anemia and fatigue as well. Metastatic mesothelioma happens when the cancer spreads to other parts of your body. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's essential to consult a physician immediately. Asbestosis usually develops after years of long-term exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It is a slow-moving disease and, due to its long latency, most people are unaware of it for decades after exposure. Asbestosis is not a disease with the possibility of spreading like mesothelioma. However, it can cause a variety of health issues including lung problems and respiratory distress. Asbestos exposure is a cause of mesothelioma and asbestosis as well as asbestosis. The main distinction between the two conditions is that mesothelioma is a malignant cancer that grows in the mesothelium, while asbestosis isn't. A person suffering from mesothelioma pleural may experience a persistent non-productive cough, as well as chest wall pain. Some patients report experiencing difficulty swallowing and changes in the shape of their fingers, which is known as a clubbing. escondido asbestos attorneys with pleural mesothelioma have a buildup of fluid in the abdomen, which is called ascites. Mesothelioma treatment is more aggressive and focuses on increasing the life time. However, the approach to treating asbestosis is less intensive. Asbestosis treatment is intended to improve quality of life and ease symptoms. This involves draining the fluid from the chest, which is known as thoracentesis, and utilizing medications to manage pain. Patients with mesothelioma are not eligible for lung transplants for severe asbestosis cases. Palliative treatment is available to mesothelioma sufferers, which is primarily focused on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Diagnosis Asbestos fibres inhalation can trigger a variety of symptoms, like a shortness of breath, cough, and fatigue. Unfortunately, these symptoms often appear to be similar to other ailments and are difficult to recognize until the illness has progressed. Asbestosis, a chronic lung condition that causes scarring of the respiratory system and lungs, makes it difficult to breathe. It can also affect the other organs, causing abdominal discomfort, fluid accumulation and changes in the toe and finger shape (finger clubbing). Mesothelioma and asbestosis are both caused by exposure to asbestos which is a group of minerals made of microscopic fibres. Both diseases are result of this exposure, but they have different symptoms and have a distinct time of latency. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is found in the mesothelium, which is a protective layer around certain organs and cavities in the body. It is found in the abdomen, lungs and heart. Mesothelioma can develop more easily when a person has been exposed to asbestos numerous times. Doctors will order chest X-rays and CT scans to identify visual anomalies within the lung. They may also take a biopsy to get a better idea of the type of mesothelioma the patient has. There are a variety of ways to take a mesothelium biopsy, including a needle biopsy, bronchoscopy, or video-assisted surgery. The type of biopsy needed will depend on the mesothelioma's location as well as the part of the mesothelium it is located in. Symptoms and the patient's exposure history also play a role in how mesothelioma can be diagnosed. Depending on the type of mesothelioma, patients may be treated with chemotherapy or radiation to alleviate symptoms. In some instances surgery is a possibility to remove affected tissue and reduce the size of the tumor. There is currently no cure available for mesothelioma, but patients can receive palliative treatment to improve their quality of living. Mesothelioma and asbestosis both carry a high risk of repeating even after treatment has been completed. It is therefore essential to keep regular follow-up appointments. A mesothelioma expert can use this to identify recurrences and monitor the progress of the disease. Treatment Both mesothelioma and asbestosis occur due to exposure to asbestos. They are incurable, but treatments can prolong the life of patients for decades. Mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the mesothelium, which lines the lungs, chest cavity and abdomen. Mesothelioma differs from lung cancer but the symptoms are often similar. Asbestosis is not a common condition, which results from long-term exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. They irritate the lung tissue, which leads to scarring that can impede breathing. Asbestos inhalation increases the risk of lung infection. Smoking can cause the condition to develop more quickly. A doctor will assess the patient and listen to their lungs if asbestosis is diagnosed. In some cases the doctor might order chest X-rays and lung-function tests. If mesothelioma has been suspected it is recommended that a biopsy be taken of the pleural mesothelium to be evaluated in a lab. The procedure involves inserting an needle into the abdomen, chest or groin, removing a small amount fluid and then examining that fluid for signs of malignant cells. Based on the type of cancer of cancer, either surgery or chemotherapy may be suggested. The surgical removal of asbestos-laden tissue (also called decortication or pleurectomy) can improve the quality of life of patients suffering from asbestosis severe and reduce the severity of the complications. A doctor can also drain the fluid from the chest (a process called thoracentesis) and in some cases perform a surgical procedure known as pleurodesis to ease breathing problems caused by asbestosis or other ailments. Regular check-ups and pulmonary rehab exercises can help patients manage breathing difficulties and other symptoms, in addition to pain relief therapies. They can also prescribe oxygen therapy, and in some cases it is recommended to have the possibility of a lung transplant. Patients suffering from lung disease resulting from asbestos are at a greater risk of developing other health problems like heart disease and cancer. To lower the risk it is recommended that they stop smoking and be current with vaccines for influenza and pneumonia. They should also consult their doctor right away in the event of shortness of breath, coughing or fever. Prognosis The inhalation of asbestos fibers triggers both mesothelioma and a lung condition called asbestosis. Both illnesses have similar symptoms like chest pain as well as persistent coughing and shortness of breath. However, mesothelioma can be a cancer and asbestosis isn't. Mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are both incurable and may take decades to develop. Mesothelioma prognosis is based on a variety of factors, including the severity of the disease and the location of the cancerous cells and the kind of cells. Epithelioid mesothelioma, which is the most common type has a higher chance of success than biphasic and sarcomatoid varieties. The prognosis of mesothelioma can be affected by the patient's gender and age. Patients who are younger and females tend to have better odds than men. The latency time period also plays a crucial role in determining a mesothelioma diagnosis. The longer a person is exposed to asbestos, the more likely he or she is to develop symptoms. The typical latency time for mesothelioma ranges between 10 and 50 years after exposure. Because mesothelioma is a rare cancer it can be difficult to diagnose. This is especially true in the early stages when symptoms are more mild and may be misdiagnosed as other conditions. Mesothelioma cells may resemble the cells of other types of lung disease and cancer, so it is important for doctors to carefully look over pathology reports and ask for an additional opinion from a different lab. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma can cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs known as a pleural effusion. Pleural effusions are an indication of both diseases but they are not life-threatening. The symptoms of asbestosis resemble the symptoms of other lung diseases such as chronic obstruction of the lungs (COPD). Asbestosis isn't a cancer and does not expand throughout the body as mesothelioma can. Asbestosis sufferers may suffer from symptoms for a long time and eventually need oxygen therapy. Contact a patient advocate if you or someone you love has questions about asbestosis or mesothelioma symptoms. We can help you find a doctor to get a diagnosis and a treatment plan.